Niho taniwha means teeth of the taniwha. It is also the sign of a historian and sometimes it represents the chief and hospitality. It can also represent family houses within a tribe.
The Waikato tribe use the saying “He pike he taniwha” meaning at every bend there is a taniwha. Taniwha is a fantasy water creature that is mythical and not real. He lived in the Waikato river. To the Waikato tribe this saying meant that at every river bend there was a whare nui with a chief and warriors. The taniwha could either welcome visitors if they came in peace, or defend the tribe if other tribes came to attack them. Level 4: The Noho Taniwha Pattern
See also http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Libraries/Central/TukutukuPanels/panel-15.asp
See also http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Libraries/Central/TukutukuPanels/panel-17.asp
Why the Niho Taniwha?
Niho taniwha means teeth of the taniwha. It is also the sign of a historian and sometimes it represents the chief and hospitality. It can also represent family houses within a tribe.
The Waikato tribe use the saying “He pike he taniwha” meaning at every bend there is a taniwha. Taniwha is a fantasy water creature that is mythical and not real. He lived in the Waikato river. To the Waikato tribe this saying meant that at every river bend there was a whare nui with a chief and warriors. The taniwha could either welcome visitors if they came in peace, or defend the tribe if other tribes came to attack them.
Level 4: The Noho Taniwha Pattern
Square Paper with Niho Taniwha pattern
Niho Taniwha Worksheet
Niho Taniwha Answers